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STUDY DESIGN This was a retrospective review of prospectively collected registry data. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of smoking on 2 years postoperative functional outcomes, satisfaction, and radiologic fusion in nondiabetic patients undergoing minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) for degenerative spine conditions. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA There is conflicting data on the effect of smoking on long-term functional outcomes following lumbar fusion. Moreover, there remains a paucity of literature on the influence of smoking within the field of minimally invasive spine surgery. METHODS Prospectively collected registry data of nondiabetic patients who underwent primary single-level minimally invasive TLIF in a single institution was reviewed. Patients were stratified based on smoking history. All patients were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale for back pain and leg pain, Oswestry Disability Index, Short-Form 36 Physical and Mental Component Scores. Satisfaction was assessed using the North American Spine Society questionnaire. Radiographic fusion rates were compared. RESULTS In total, 187 patients were included, of which 162 were nonsmokers, and 25 had a positive smoking history. In our multivariate analysis, smoking history was insignificant in predicting for minimal clinically important difference attainment rates in Physical Component Score and fusion grading outcomes. However, in terms of satisfaction score, positive smoking history remained a significant predictor (odds ratio=4.7, 95% confidence interval: 1.10-20.09, P=0.036). CONCLUSIONS Nondiabetic patients with a positive smoking history had lower satisfaction scores but comparable functional outcomes and radiologic fusion 2 years after single-level TLIF. Thorough preoperative counseling and smoking cessation advice may help to improve patient satisfaction following minimally invasive spine surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III-nonrandomized cohort study.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT The patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) is a valuable tool for interpreting patient-reported outcomes. Previous studies have attempted to define the PASS in a heterogenous cohort with various lumbar spinal disorders and surgical procedures. PURPOSE We aimed to determine the PASS threshold for the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) specifically for patients undergoing lumbar fusion for spondylolisthesis-associated functional disability. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective review of prospectively collected registry data. PATIENT SAMPLE There were 692 patients who underwent primary single-level minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for degenerative spondylolisthesis between 2006 and 2014. OUTCOME MEASURES The ODI was collected pre-operatively, at 6 months and 2 years postoperatively. An anchor question was adapted from the NASS questionnaire, “How would you rate the overall results of your treatment?” while a validation question was taken from the same questionnaire, “Has the surgery for your back condition met your expectations so far?” METHODS Responses to the anchor question were used to determine whether a PASS was achieved. Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis was performed to assess the ability of the ODI to discriminate between an acceptable/unacceptable symptom state as well as to define PASS thresholds. Sensitivity analyses were performed for different follow-up periods (6 months, 2 years), subgroups (by age, gender, BMI, and comorbidity burden), baseline ODI tertiles, and an alternate definition of PASS. RESULTS In total, 529 of 692 (76%) patients completed 2-year follow-up, of which, 89% considered their symptom state to be acceptable. Areas under the curve (AUC) ranged from 0.81 to 0.90 for all receiver operating characteristics analyses, indicating that the ODI had an excellent discriminative ability. The PASS threshold was ≤18.09 at 6 months (AUC 0.81, sensitivity 77%, specificity 72%) and ≤15.27 at 2 years (AUC 0.86, sensitivity 79%, specificity 79%). These thresholds proved to be robust in the sensitivity analyses, showing minimal variation across different patient subgroups and baseline score tertiles. CONCLUSIONS Patients with an ODI of ≤15.27 can be considered to have achieved a PASS after lumbar fusion for degenerative spondylolisthesis. These findings will help surgeons to contextualize a patient's functional recovery after lumbar spine surgery and enable researchers to define clinically relevant benchmarks when designing trials utilizing the ODI.

Study design This is a retrospective study. Objective This study aims to determine (1) when shoulder rebalancing occurs after adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) correction surgery and (2) whether shoulder asymmetry was influenced by the use of pedicle screws or hooks. Summary of background data Postoperative shoulder imbalance is an important outcome of AIS correction surgery as it may influence a patient's appearance and satisfaction. Materials and methods Seventy AIS patients undergoing AIS correction surgery at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Radiographic parameters were measured from anteroposterior x-rays at preoperative, immediate postoperative, 6 months postsurgery, and 12 months postsurgery. Shoulder parameters measured were: radiographic shoulder height (RSH), clavicle angle, coracoid height difference (CHD), and T1 tilt. The Cobb angle of the proximal thoracic curve, major thoracic curve, and thoracolumbar/lumbar curve. The percentage of correction was also calculated. Results Lateral shoulder asymmetry (RSH and CHD) changed significantly from preoperative to up to 6 months postsurgery. T1 tilt, a measure of medial shoulder asymmetry, did not change significantly. Postoperatively, the hook group attained significantly better shoulder balance than the screw group in terms of RSH and CHD up to 12 months postsurgery. However, the percentage correction of the major thoracic curve was significantly greater in the screw group than the hook group (hook: 62.2+/-18.4% vs. screw: 76.0+/-16.0%, P=0.007). Conclusions Lateral shoulder rebalancing occurs up to 6 months after surgery. While thoracic pedicle screws offer greater correction of major AIS curves, hook constructs offer better postoperative shoulder symmetry. Level of evidence III.

STUDY DESIGN This is a meta-analysis and systematic review of the available literature. OBJECTIVE This study aims to compare the clinical and radiologic outcomes of single-level lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) with single-level transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA In the treatment of adult spinal deformity, LLIF allows interbody fusion while avoiding complications associated with an anterior or transforaminal approach, although the clinical outcomes of LLIF compared with other approaches have not been well established. METHODS We searched PubMed, Embase, and Scopus for 385 unique studies. On the basis of our exclusion criteria, 8 studies remained for our systematic review. Data were analyzed using Review Manager 5.3 using Mantel-Haenszel statistics and random effect models. This study identified self-reported Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index, length of stay, blood loss, complication rate, and radiologic parameters (disk height, lumbar lordosis, segmental lordosis). RESULTS Our meta-analysis showed that LLIF contributed to decreased blood loss [mean difference (MD)=-67.62 mL, 95% confidence interval (CI): -104 to -30.90, P

Study design Retrospective review of prospectively-collected registry data. Objectives The aim of this study was to determine how different combinations of preoperative neck pain (NP) and arm pain (AP) influence functional outcomes, patient satisfaction, and return-to-work in patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) for degenerative cervical radiculopathy (DCR). Summary of background data Surgeons often base decisions on the traditional belief that the predominance of radicular upper extremity symptoms is a stronger indication for cervical spine surgery than axial pain. However, there is a paucity of literature supporting this notion. Methods A prospectively maintained registry was reviewed for all patients who underwent primary ACDF for DCR. Patients were categorized into three groups depending on predominant pain location: AP predominant ([APP]; AP > NP), NP predominant ([NPP]; NP > AP), and equal pain predominance ([EPP]; NP = AP). Patients were prospectively followed for at least 2 years. Results In total, 303 patients were included: 27.4% APP, 38.9% NPP, and 33.7% EPP cases. The APP group was significantly older (P = 0.030), although there were no other preoperative differences among the three groups. After adjusting for baseline differences, the SF-36 Physical Component Summary was significantly better in the APP group at 6 months (P = 0.048) and 2 years (P = 0.039). In addition, they showed a trend towards better 6-month Neck Disability Index (P = 0.077) and 2-year SF-36 Mental Component Summary (P = 0.059). However, an equal proportion of patients in each group achieved the Minimal Clinically Important Difference for each outcome, were satisfied, and returned to work 2 years after surgery. Conclusion Although patients with NPP had slightly poorer function and quality of life, all patients experienced a clinically meaningful improvement in patient-reported outcomes, regardless of the predominant pain location. High rates of satisfaction and return-to-work were also achieved. In the context of proper indications, these findings suggest that ACDF can be equally effective for DCR patients with varying combinations of NP or AP.Level of Evidence: 3.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT The patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) has emerged as a novel tool for interpreting patient-reported outcomes. While the minimal clinically important difference values for various spine outcome instruments have been defined, little is known about the PASS thresholds for these measures. PURPOSE To define threshold values on the neck disability index (NDI) corresponding to a PASS in patients undergoing surgery for degenerative disorders of the cervical spine. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective review of prospectively collected registry data. PATIENT SAMPLE The sample includes 613 patients who underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for degenerative spine conditions between 2005 and 2014. OUTCOME MEASURES The main outcome measure was the NDI. The PASS anchor question was adapted from the NASS questionnaire, “How would you rate the overall results of your treatment?” and the validation question was adapted from the AAOS cervical spine questionnaire, “Would you have the same treatment again if you had the same condition?” METHODS Patients were assessed preoperatively, 6 months and 2 years postoperatively using the NDI. Responses to the anchor question were dichotomized and used as the external criterion in receiver operating characteristics analysis to define thresholds on the NDI that corresponded to a PASS at 2 years postoperatively. Sensitivity analyses were carried out for various subgroups (age, gender, BMI, comorbidity status), baseline NDI (tertiles), time of follow-up (6 months and 2 years) and an alternate definition of PASS. RESULTS Of the 613 patients, 503 (82%) completed 2-year follow-up, of which, 81% reported their current state as acceptable. The areas under the curve (AUC) for the receiver operating characteristics were 0.75 to 0.89 for all analyses, indicating a good ability of the NDI to discriminate between attaining a satisfactory state or not. The PASS threshold was ≤15 points at 6 months (AUC 0.81, sensitivity 73%, specificity 79%) and ≤17 points at 2 years (AUC 0.80, sensitivity 86%, specificity 65%). Sensitivity analyses revealed that the 17-point threshold on the NDI was robust. PASS responders were approximately 12 times more likely to be satisfied (adjusted odds ratio 12.11, 95% confidence intervals 6.96–21.07) and 6 times more willing to undergo surgery again (adjusted odds ratio 6.12, 95% confidence intervals 3.47–10.80) compared to nonresponders. CONCLUSIONS Patients with a NDI of ≤17 consider their postoperative symptom state to be acceptable. This PASS threshold can be used alongside the minimal clinically important difference when defining treatment success in spine outcomes studies. At the individual level, this threshold provides clinically relevant benchmarks for surgeons when assessing a patient's postoperative recovery.

STUDY DESIGN This study carried out a retrospective review of prospectively collected registry data. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine whether (1) utilization rates; (2) demographics and preoperative statuses; and (3) clinical outcomes differ among Chinese, Malays, and Indians undergoing minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA There is a marked racial disparity in spine surgery outcomes between white and African American patients. Comparative studies of ethnicity have mostly been carried out in American populations, with an underrepresentation of Asian ethnic groups. It is unclear whether these disparities exist among Chinese, Malays, and Indians. METHODS A prospectively maintained registry was reviewed for 753 patients who underwent primary MIS-TLIF for degenerative spondylolisthesis between 2006 and 2013. The cohort was stratified by race. Comparisons of demographics, functional outcomes, and patient satisfaction were performed preoperatively and 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 2 years postoperatively. RESULTS Compared with population statistics, there was an overrepresentation of Chinese (6.6%) and an underrepresentation of Malays (5.0%) and Indians (3.5%) who underwent MIS-TLIF. Malays and Indians were younger and had higher body mass index at the time of surgery compared with Chinese. After adjusting for age, sex, and body mass index, Malays had significantly worse back pain and Indians had poorer Short-Form 36 Physical Component Summary compared with Chinese preoperatively. Chinese also had a better preoperative Oswestry Disability Index compared with the other races. Although significant differences remained at 1 month, there was no difference in outcomes up to 2 years postoperatively, except for a lower Physical Component Summary in Indians compared with Chinese at 2 years. The rate of minimal clinically important difference attainment, satisfaction, and expectation fulfillment was also comparable. At 2 years, 87.0% of Chinese, 76.9% of Malays, and 91.7% of Indians were satisfied. CONCLUSION The variations in demographics, preoperative statuses, and postoperative outcomes between races should be considered when interpreting outcome studies of lumbar spine surgery in Asian populations. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III-nonrandomized cohort study.

Background The number of young patients with degenerative lumbar spondylosis is expected to increase, and with it, the number of younger patients seeking surgical treatment is likely to rise. The goals of young patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis may differ from those of older patients, but little is known about the levels of pain and function, complication rates, or radiographic union that young patients achieve after interbody fusion. Questions/purposes (1) How likely were patients younger than 50 years to achieve a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in improvement on any of several validated patient-reported outcomes scores after transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for degenerative spondylolisthesis at a minimum of 2 years after surgery? (2) What proportion developed complications or underwent reoperations? (3) What proportion achieved radiographic fusion or developed adjacent-segment degeneration? Methods Longitudinally maintained institutional registry data of patients undergoing primary, single-level, transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for degenerative spondylolisthesis at a single institution from 2006 to 2013 were studied in this retrospective case series. Of the 96 patients who met inclusion criteria, 14% (13 of 96) were missing follow-up data, leaving 83 patients younger than 50 years with complete clinical and radiological data at a minimum of 2 years (97%, 93 of 96 had sufficient data to assess complications and radiographic fusion). The mean age of the cohort was 44 ± 7 years. Radiological parameters for each patient with spondylolisthesis were recorded. Clinical outcomes such as the numeric rating scale for back pain and leg pain, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and SF-36 were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively at 1, 3, 6 months and 2 years. The proportion of patients who had an improvement greater than the MCID of each outcome instrument was then calculated. The occurrence of any medical, surgical or wound complications, and reoperations for any reason were recorded. Radiographic fusion using Bridwell grading and adjacent-segment degeneration were assessed by an independent observer not involved in clinical care. The mean follow-up was 5 ± 3 years. Results The proportions of patients younger than 50 years who achieved the MCID for the various patient-reported outcomes were 82% (68 of 83) for leg pain, 75% (62 of 83) for back pain, 87% (72 of 83) for ODI and 71% (59 of 83) for SF-36 physical component summary at 2 years. Two perioperative complications occurred, and two reoperations were performed for implant-related complications. A total of 85% (79 of 93) of young patients achieved stable fusion, 8% (seven of 93) had radiologic adjacent-segment degeneration, and one patient underwent a revision procedure. Conclusions Young patients with lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis commonly, but do not always, experience clinically meaningful gains in pain relief, function, and quality of life after transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion. A low risk of complications, reoperations, nonunion and adjacent-segment degeneration were also noted in this population. Level of evidence Level III, therapeutic study.

Background and purpose Intraoperative monitoring of the motor pathways is a routine procedure for ensuring the integrity of descending motor tracts during spinal surgery. Intraoperative motor evoked potential improvement (MEPI) may be associated with a better postsurgical outcome in cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). To compare the efficacy of two cortical stimulation parameters in eliciting MEPI intraoperatively during CSM surgery. Methods We studied 69 patients who underwent decompression surgery for CSM over a 9-month period using either 5 (Group 1) or 9 (Group 2) stimuli. MEPI was defined as the increase in the amplitude of MEPs from baseline at the end of CSM surgery just prior to skin closure. Results An MEPI of 100% from baseline was observed in 10 patients (53%) in Group 1 and 36 patients (72%) in Group 2. Comparisons of the baseline mean MEP amplitudes of muscles bilaterally between Groups 1 and 2 did not reveal any significant differences. Supramaximal stimulation showed that a significantly higher mean intensity was required for Group 1 than for Group 2. Conclusions MEPI is observed in a much larger proportion of cervical decompression surgery cases than previously thought. Intraoperative MEPI with longer-train cortical stimulation may reflect adequacy of decompression and provide additional guidance for the surgical procedure.

Retrospective study using prospectively collected registry data.The authors examine the influence of preoperative mental health on outcomes after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and determine the impact of ACDF on postoperative mental health.While studies have reported a negative correlation between preoperative mental health and outcomes following lumbar spine surgery, the influence on outcomes following cervical spine surgery remains relatively understudied.Prospectively collected registry data of 104 patients who underwent single-level ACDF for cervical spondylotic myelopathy were reviewed. Patients were dichotomized into top and bottom halves based on preoperative SF-36 MCS (Mental Component Summary) using a cutoff of 48. Outcomes assessed were visual analogue scale for neck pain, arm pain, AAOS Neck Pain and Disability, Neurogenic Symptoms, Neck Disability Index, Short-Form 36, Japanese Orthopaedic Association myelopathy score, return to work, return to function, satisfaction and expectation fulfilment up to 2 years postoperatively.The preoperative MCS was 37.5 ± 8.1 and 57.4 ± 6.3 in the Low and High MCS groups respectively (P 0.001). The Low MCS group had poorer preoperative scores (P 0.05). There was no significant difference in length of stay or comorbidities (P 0.05). The High MCS group had less neck pain (P = 0.002) and showed a trend towards lower Neck Disability Index (P = 0.062) at 2 years. The Low MCS group demonstrated greater improvement in Japanese Orthopaedic Association (P = 0.007) and similar improvement in other scores (P 0.05). There was no significant difference in proportion that achieved minimal clinically important difference for each score (P 0.05). Both groups had similar rates of return to work, return to function, expectation fulfilment, and satisfaction (P 0.05). Lower preoperative MCS was predictive of greater improvement in MCS (r = -0.477, P 0.001).Despite relatively greater pain and disability at 2 years, patients with poor baseline mental health experienced similar improvement in clinical outcomes, return to work, and satisfaction rates.3.

BACKGROUND: Women undergoing lumbar spine surgery report greater preoperative pain and disability and have less improvement after surgery. There is a paucity of literature on sex-related differences after minimally invasive surgery transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS TLIF) surgery. We aim to determine whether sex influences outcome after MIS TLIF at 5-year midterm follow-up. METHODS: Prospectively collected registry data for 907 patients who underwent MIS TLIF at a single institution from 2004 to 2013 were reviewed. Of these, 296 patients (94 males and 202 females) were reviewed at 5-year follow-up. All patients were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively at 2 and 5 years. Data recorded included patient demographics, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Short-Form 36 Physical and Mental component scores (SF-36 PCS and MCS), and the North American Spine Society lumbar spine outcome assessment instrument. RESULTS: Females who underwent MIS TLIF were generally younger (females, 52.2 years; males, 56.1 years; P = .04). Females had significantly poorer preoperative ODI (females, 49.5; males, 41.5; P < .001) and SF-36 PCS (females, 31.9; males, 35.6; P < .01) and MCS (females, 44.9; males, 49.2; P < .01) scores. At 2-year and 5-year follow-up, there were no significant differences in ODI, SF-36, and pain scores between sexes. Both groups reported similar proportions that returned to work and returned to function. There were no differences in proportion of patients who were satisfied or had their expectations fulfilled. CONCLUSIONS: Women who undergo MIS TLIF have poorer preoperative function and quality of life than men. However, women demonstrated greater improvement after surgery, attaining similar clinical outcomes at 5-year follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Study design This is a retrospective study. Objective To determine (1) the independent risk factors of postoperative shoulder imbalance (PSI) after adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) correction surgery; and (2) whether the level of upper instrumented vertebrae (UIV) affects postoperative shoulder balance. Summary of background data PSI is an important outcome of AIS correction surgery as it influences a patient's appearance and satisfaction. However, risk factors for PSI remain controversial and there are currently no studies evaluating the effect of sagittal spinopelvic parameters on PSI. Previous studies on the relationship between the level of UIV and PSI have also reported conflicting results. Materials and methods Sixty-nine AIS patients undergoing correction surgery at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Radiographic parameters were measured on anteroposterior and lateral x-rays preoperatively, immediate postoperatively, and 12 months postoperatively. At 1 year follow-up, patients were divided into 2 groups based on their radiographic shoulder height (RSH): (1) PSI group (RSH ≥20 mm) and (2) non-PSI group (RSH Results On multivariate regression analysis, a lower postoperative main thoracic curve (MTC) [odds ratio (OR): 0.702, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.519-0.949, P=0.022], greater percentage correction of MTC (OR: 1.526, 95% CI: 1.049-2.220, P=0.027) and higher postoperative sacral slope (OR: 1.364, 95% CI: 1.014-1.834, P=0.040) were identified as independent risk factors of PSI. When preoperative, postoperative, and absolute change in shoulder parameters were compared across the level of UIV, no significant differences were found regardless of the radiographic shoulder parameter analyzed. Conclusions Lower postoperative MTC, greater percentage correction of MTC and higher postoperative sacral slope were independent risk factors of PSI. Shoulder balance and symmetry were not affected by the level of UIV selected. Relative curve correction is a more important consideration than UIV to avoid PSI after AIS correction surgery. Level of evidence III.

Study design This was a retrospective study that was carried out using prospectively collected registry data. Objective The objective of this study was to identify preoperative predictors of outcomes after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) for cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Summary of background data Proper patient selection is paramount to achieving good surgical results. Identifying predictors of outcomes may aid surgical decision-making and facilitate counseling of patients to manage expectations. Methods Prospectively collected registry data of 104 patients who underwent single-level ACDF for cervical spondylotic myelopathy were reviewed. Outcomes assessed at 2 years were the presence of residual neck pain/arm pain (AP), and attainment of a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for Neck Disability Index (NDI), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, and Physical Component Score (PCS) of SF-36, as well as patient satisfaction, fulfilment of expectations, willingness to undergo same surgery again, return to work (RTW), and return to function (RTF). Receiver operating characteristic curves and multivariate stepwise logistical regression were performed to identify independent predictors of each outcome using 22 covariates including demographics, comorbidities, and preoperative disease state. Results Lower preoperative NDI was predictive of the absence of residual neck pain/AP at 2 years. Higher preoperative JOA score was predictive of MCID attainment for PCS, satisfaction, expectation fulfilment, willingness to undergo the same surgery for same condition, and RTF. Poorer preoperative scores of NDI, JOA, and PCS were predictors of attaining MCID of the respective scores. Older patients were less likely to attain MCID for JOA. Higher preoperative AP was a risk factor for unsuccessful RTW. Conclusions In general, the preoperative JOA score was the best predictor of outcomes after ACDF. A preoperative JOA cutoff value of 9.25-10.25 predicted satisfaction, expectation fulfilment, willingness to undergo same surgery, and RTF with at least 70% sensitivity and 50% specificity. These findings may aid surgeons in identifying patients at risk of a poor outcome and guide preoperative counseling to establish realistic expectations of the surgical outcome. Level of evidence Level III-Non-randomized controlled cohort/follow-up study.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT The patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) has gained attention as a valuable interpretation tool in spine research. While the PASS for the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score has been recently proposed, previous analyses demonstrated a weak discriminative ability for the suggested threshold. PURPOSE To define the PASS for the JOA score in patients undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). STUDY DESIGN Retrospective review of prospectively collected registry data. PATIENT SAMPLE 378 patients who underwent ACDF for cervical myelopathy between 2005 and 2014. OUTCOME MEASURES The main outcome measure was the JOA score. The PASS anchor question was adapted from the NASS questionnaire, “How would you rate the overall results of your treatment?” and the validation question was adapted from same questionnaire, “Has the surgery for your neck condition met your expectation so far?” METHODS Patients were assessed preoperatively, 6 months and 2 years postoperatively using the JOA. Responses to the anchor question were dichotomized and used as the external criterion in receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis to define thresholds on the JOA that corresponded to a PASS at 2 years postoperatively. Sensitivity analyses were carried out for various subgroups (based on age, gender, body mass index, comorbidities), preoperative myelopathy severity, time of follow-up (6 months and 2 years) and an alternate definition of PASS. RESULTS Of the 378 patients, 312 (83%) completed 2-year follow-up, of which, 78.5% reported their current state as acceptable. The areas under the curve (AUC) for the ROCs were 0.72 to 0.83 for all analyses, indicating a good discriminative ability of the JOA when assessing if a satisfactory state was attained. The PASS threshold was ≥13.25 points at 6 months (AUC 0.74, sensitivity 78%, specificity 59%) and ≥14.25 points at 2 years (AUC 0.76, sensitivity 74%, specificity 66%). Sensitivity analyses revealed that the 14.25-point threshold on the JOA was robust. PASS responders were approximately 6 times more likely to be satisfied (adjusted OR 6.18, 95% CI 2.87–13.30) and 8 times more likely to have their expectation fulfilled (adjusted OR 8.23, 95% CI 3.81–17.77) compared with non-responders. CONCLUSIONS This study validates the PASS threshold of 14.25 on the JOA in a robust analysis of a large cohort undergoing ACDF. This knowledge will enable clinicians to identify patients who have attained a satisfactory functional status after surgery for CSM and allow researchers to interpret studies utilizing the JOA from a patient-centered perspective.

Study design Retrospective review of prospectively collected data. Objective The objective of this study was to determine how different combinations of preoperative back pain (BP) and leg pain (LP) may influence functional outcomes, patient satisfaction and return to work (RTW) in patients undergoing minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) for degenerative spondylolisthesis. Summary of background data Surgical decision-making is often based on the traditional assumption that the predominance of lower extremity symptoms is a stronger indication for lumbar spine surgery. Surprisingly, there is a paucity of literature supporting this notion and the isolated impact of the preoperative pattern of pain on outcome remains unclear. Methods Prospectively collected data for patients who underwent primary MIS-TLIF for degenerative spondylolisthesis were reviewed. Patients were categorized into 3 groups depending on predominant pain location: LP predominant (LP>BP), back pain predominant [(BPP); BP>LP] and equal pain predominance (BP=LP). Patients were prospectively followed for at least 2 years. Results In total, 781 patients were included: 33.4% LP predominant, 28.7% BPP and 37.9% equal pain predominance cases. The BPP group was significantly younger (P=0.005) and showed a trend towards poorer baseline Short-Form-36 Mental Component Summary (P=0.069). After adjusting for baseline differences, there was no significant difference in BP, LP, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), SF-36 Physical Component Summary, and SF-36 Mental Component Summary between the 3 groups at all time points (P>0.05) except for poorer 1-month ODI in the BPP group (P=0.010). The rate of minimal clinically important difference attainment for ODI and SF-36 Physical Component Summary, satisfaction, expectation fulfilment and RTW were also similar (P>0.05). Conclusions The functional outcomes, quality of life and satisfaction after MIS-TLIF were similar, regardless of the predominant pain location. Equal proportions of patients achieved the minimal clinically important difference and RTW. In the context of proper indications, these results suggest that MIS-TLIF can be equally effective for patients with varying combinations of BP or LP. Level of evidence Level III-nonrandomized cohort study.

Study design Retrospective cohort study. Purpose This study aims to analyze the relationship between body mass index (BMI) subjective patient-reported outcomes (PRO) after 1- and 2-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Overview of literature The prevalence of cervical spondylosis and ACDF in expected to continue rising among the aging population of Asia. Moreover, the prevalence of obesity is also increasing. However, limited information is available about the mechanism by which BMI affects PRO after ACDF. Methods Total 878 patients underwent ACDF between 2000 and 2015. After excluding patients with previous cervical instrumentation, >2 levels fused, missing BMI measurement, or neoplastic/trauma indication for surgery, 535 patients were included. The PRO measures of the Neck Disability Index, Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) for Neck Pain, NPRS for Limb Pain, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons-Neurogenic Symptom Score, and Japanese Orthopaedic Association myelopathy score were used. Patients were grouped based on their preoperative BMI, as per the World Health Organization guidelines for Asian populations. PRO scores were collected preoperatively, at 6 months postoperatively, and 2 years postoperatively. A generalized linear model was used to analyze the relationship of BMI category with the individual score, accounting for several factors that are likely to affect the outcomes. Results Total 19 (3.4%) were underweight, 155 (28.0%) were normal weight, 112 (20.3%) were overweight, and 267 (48.3%) were obese. Patients across all BMI categories experienced significant and similar improvements in their postoperative PRO scores. There were no significant differences in the preoperative, 6-month postoperative, and 2-year postoperative PRO scores of the groups. Rate of reoperation was highest in patients with grade II obesity at 8.07%; however, the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions Irrespective of the BMI, all patients exhibited similar satisfactory outcomes following ACDF. The results support surgery in all subgroups of patients with symptomatic nerve compression in the cervical spine.

STUDY DESIGN A retrospective review of prospectively collected registry data. OBJECTIVES (1) Examine functional outcomes of patients with postoperative sacral slope (SS)

BACKGROUND: Lateral access surgery (LAS) for lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis is a minimally invasive lumbar fusion technique which has been gaining increasing popularity in the recent years. This study aims to identify perioperative factors that influence postoperative satisfaction after LAS for lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis. METHODS: From August 2010 to November 2014, 52 patients with lumbar degenerative conditions (16 male: 36 female, mean age 64.0 ± 8.7 years) were prospectively recruited and underwent LAS by a single surgeon. All patients were assessed preoperatively and 2 years postoperatively with Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Oswestry Disability Index, Short-Form 36 (SF-36) scores, North American Spine Society score for neurogenic symptoms, patient satisfaction, and expectation fulfillment. Cobb angles, global lumbar lordosis, disc heights, adjacent disc heights, fusion, and subsidence were rates assessed. Multiple linear regression performed with satisfaction as dependent variable to identify predictive independent variables. RESULTS: Lower preoperative SF-36 general health scores (P = .03), higher NPRS leg pain scores (P = .04), and longer surgical duration (P = .02) were significant predictors of lower satisfaction (P .05). Ninety-eight percent of patients achieved Bridwell Fusion Grade 1, and 5.8% had Marchi Grade 3 subsidence. CONCLUSIONS: Lower preoperative SF-36 general health, higher NPRS leg pain, and longer surgical duration are predictors of lower satisfaction in patients undergoing LAS for lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Identifying preoperative predictors for postoperative clinical outcome can assist clinicians in patient education prior to operation.

BACKGROUND: Although several studies have suggested that minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) may be especially beneficial in the elderly population due to lower operative morbidity and faster postoperative recovery, there are limited studies investigating the functional outcomes, quality of life, and satisfaction in elderly patients after MIS-TLIF. Furthermore, existing studies had substantial clinical, diagnostic, and surgical heterogeneity. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We asked if elderly patients could experience comparable (1) patient-reported pain, disability and quality of life, (2) perioperative complications, and (3) radiological fusion rates as their younger counterparts after MIS-TLIF. METHODS: Prospectively collected registry data of patients undergoing primary, single-level, MIS-TLIF for degenerative spondylolisthesis between 2012 and 2014 were reviewed. We included 168 patients, 39 of whom were at least 70 years old. Of the 129 patients younger than 70 years old, propensity-score matching was used to select 39 younger controls with adjustment for sex, BMI, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, and baseline clinical outcomes. Perioperative complications and radiologic data were compared. RESULTS: There was no difference in back pain (mean difference -0.3 [95% confidence interval -1.0 to 0.5]; p = 0.52); leg pain (mean difference -0.1 [95% CI to 0.6-0.5]; p = 0.85); Oswestry Disability Index (mean difference -2.9 [95% CI -8.0 to 2.2]; p = 0.26); and SF-36 physical (mean difference 3.0 [95% CI -0.7 to 6.8]; p = 0.107); and mental component summary (mean difference 1.9 [95% CI -4.5 to 8.2]; p = 0.56); up to 2 years postoperatively; 85% of younger patients and 85% of elderly patients were satisfied (p > 0.99) while 87% and 80%, respectively, had fulfilled expectations (p = 0.36). Four perioperative adverse events occurred in each group. There was also no difference in the rate of fusion (87% in younger patients and 90% in elderly patients; p = 0.135). CONCLUSIONS: When clinical and surgical heterogeneity were minimized, elderly patients undergoing minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion not only had comparable rates of perioperative complications but also experienced similar improvements in pain, function, and quality of life. A high rate of satisfaction was achieved. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prognostic study.

A retrospective study using prospectively collected registry data.Examine the influence of preoperative mental health on outcomes after Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (MIS-TLIF).Prior studies investigating the relationship between mental health and outcomes after lumbar spine surgery included small cohorts with short follow-up and heterogenous fusion techniques. The effect of MIS-TLIF on mental health also remains unclear.Prospectively collected registry data of 226 patients who underwent single-level MIS-TLIF at a single institution were reviewed. Patients had completed 5-year follow-up data and were assigned into propensity score-matched groups: poor baseline mental health, that is, low Mental Component Summary (MCS) (50, n=113) and normal baseline mental health, that is, high MCS (≥50, n=113). Outcomes assessed were visual analog scale for back pain (BP), leg pain (LP), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Short-Form 36, North American Spine Society-Neurogenic Symptoms (NS), return to work, return to function, satisfaction, and expectation fulfillment. Length of operation and length of stay were recorded.Preoperative MCS was 40.6±8.2 and 58.5±5.4 in the low and high MCS groups, respectively, after propensity score matching (P0.001). At 5 years, the high MCS group had significantly lower LP (P=0.020) and NS (P=0.009). Despite a significantly poorer baseline (44.3 vs. 38.7, P=0.007) and 6-month ODI (20.3 vs. 15.7, P=0.018) in the low MCS group, both groups achieved a comparable ODI at 5 years (P=0.084). There was no significant difference in proportion that achieved minimal clinically important difference for ODI, PCS, BP, and LP (P0.05). Both groups reported similar proportions that return to work. However, the low MCS group had a smaller proportion of patients that return to function at 5 years (P=0.025).Although patients with poorer baseline mental health had greater pain and worse NS preoperatively and up to 5 years postoperatively, a similar proportion experienced a clinically significant improvement in all outcomes.Level III-nonrandomized cohort study.

Background: The aim of this study was to identify the rate of unsuspected malignancy in vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) treated with percutaneous vertebral augmentation procedures (PVAPs). Methods: From 2004–2015, 410 patients with VCFs underwent PVAPs with biopsy in a single tertiary hospital. All patients had preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) read by consultant radiologists and reviewed by the performing surgeon prior to PVAPs. All procedures were performed by fellowship-trained spine surgeons. A patient was considered to have an unsuspected malignancy if preoperative MRI was negative for malignancy but histology from the operative biopsy was positive. Results: A total of 44 of 45 patients (97.8%) were identified to have malignancy on preoperative MRI. One patient had a negative MRI but positive biopsy (myeloma). This patient also had a positive myeloma panel. A total of 41 of 44 patients with suspicious MRI preoperatively had a history of malignancy with histology consistent with metastatic spread from the known primary. Two patients had a new diagnosis of malignancy (1 breast carcinoma, 1 metastatic cancer likely of breast or gastrointestinal origin). Younger patients were more likely to have a VCF due to malignancy (odds ratio, 28.33 in age Conclusions: Almost 98% of patients with malignancy (44 of 45 patients) could be successfully identified with a preoperative MRI. The addition of a myeloma panel to MRI identified all patients with malignancies prior to PVAP in our study. We recommend MRI and myeloma panel for all patients with VCFs to be treated with PVAPs. For patients who undergo a PVAP, routine biopsy should be performed.

Introduction Reduction in neuroforaminal height (FH) may diminish the indirect decompression benefit that lateral access surgery (LAS) provides. However, the relationship between postoperative FH reduction in LAS and health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) outcomes remains unclear. Objectives To determine whether FH reduction affects HRQoL outcomes at 2-year follow-up. Methods A retrospective review of 45 patients who underwent LAS for degenerative lumbar spine conditions was performed. The cohort was divided into two groups: maintenance (A) and reduction (B) in FH. Outcome measures included numerical pain rating scale (NPRS back and leg pain), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36), North American Spine Society (NASS) score for neurogenic symptoms (NS), patient satisfaction, and expectation fulfilment for surgery. Mean disc height (DH), FH, and fusion were evaluated on plain radiographs. Radiological fusion was assessed with the Bridwell fusion classification. Unpaired student's t-test was used to compare between groups and one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc correction was used to determine differences between time intervals within each group. Results The average pre-op mean FH was 16.9 ± 3.5 mm. Group A had 25 patients showing postoperative maintenance of FH (19.4 ± 3.3 mm to 20.2 ± 3.2 mm; 4% increase) at 2-year postsurgery while group B had 20 patients showing decrease in FH (21.1 ± 3.3 mm to 18.7 ± 3.5 mm; 11% decrease). Group A mean DH improved from 7.0 ± 2.0 mm to 10.3 ± 1.6 mm (47% increase). Group B mean DH improved from 6.8 ± 2.3 mm to 11.0 ± 3.0 mm (62% increase). There were no significant differences in NPRS, ODI, NASS, SF-36, and SF-36 MCS/PCS between groups at 2 years ( p > 0.05); 92% of group A and 85% of group B patients reported good satisfaction and fulfilment of expectations ( p > 0.05). Conclusion Despite an initial increase in FH after LAS surgery, 45% of patients had FH reduction at 2 years. However, FH reduction up to 11% did not affect short-term HRQoL outcomes.

Retrospective study using prospectively collected registry data.To evaluate the effect of obesity on patient-reported outcome measures of pain, disability, quality of life, satisfaction, and return to work after single-level minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF).MIS-TLIF is an appealing alternative for obese patients with potentially lower complication risk. However, there is limited data investigating the influence of obesity on outcomes 5 years after MIS-TLIF.Prospectively collected registry data of 296 patients who underwent single-level MIS-TLIF at a single institution were reviewed. Patients had complete 2- and 5-year follow-up data. Patients were stratified into control (25.0 kg/m), overweight (25.0-29.9 kg/m), and obese (≥30.0 kg/m) groups. Outcomes assessed were visual analogue scale for back pain, leg pain, Oswestry Disability Index, Short-form 36, North American Spine Society score for neurogenic symptoms, return to work (RTW), return to function (RTF), satisfaction, and expectation fulfilment. Length of operation, length of stay, and comorbidities were recorded.Among the patients, 156 (52.7%) had normal weight, 108 (36.5%) were overweight, and 32 (10.8%) were obese. There was no difference in length of operation or hospitalization (P 0.05). All three groups had comparable preoperative scores at baseline (P 0.05). At 5 years, the control group had significantly higher PCS compared with the overweight (P = 0.043) and obese groups (P = 0.007), although the change in scores was similar (P 0.05). The rate of MCID attainment, RTW, RTF, expectation fulfilment, and satisfaction was comparable.Nonobese patients had better physical well-being in the mid-term, although obese patients experienced a comparable improvement in clinical scores. Obesity had no impact on patients' ability to RTW or RTF. Equivalent proportions of patients were satisfied and had their expectations fulfilled up to 5 years after MIS-TLIF.3.

Retrospective cohort study using prospectively collected registry data.To determine factors which influence return-to-work (RTW) in patients undergoing minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) and to determine if early RTW affects functional outcomes.MIS-TLIF has been associated with accelerated return to work. RTW in non-WC working-age adults after MIS-TLIF is not well understood.Prospectively collected registry data of 907 patients who underwent MIS-TLIF at a single institution from 2004 to 2013 were reviewed. One hundred ten working adults who underwent single-level MIS-TLIF with complete preoperative and 5-year postoperative follow-up data were included. Patients were assigned into Early RTW (≤60 d, n = 40) and Late RTW (60 d, n = 70). All patients were assessed pre- and postoperatively at 2 and 5 years. Length of operation, length of stay, and comorbidities were also recorded.The Early RTW group had significantly lower Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), North American Spine Society score for neurogenic symptoms (NASS NS), numerical pain rating scale (NPRS) back and leg pain scores than the Late RTW group (0.01) There were no significant differences in age, body mass index (BMI) and prevalence of medical comorbidities (P 0.05). In addition, there were no differences in terms of duration of surgery or length of hospitalization. There were no significant differences in ODI, NASS NS, Short-form 36 physical and mental component scores (SF-36 PCS/MCS), NPRS, satisfaction/expectation fulfilment between the Early and Late RTW groups at 2-year and 5-year follow-up. Both groups reported similar proportions that RTW without limitations and return-to-function (RTF) at 2-years and 5-years.Patients who RTW late have significantly poorer preoperative SF-36 physical component scores and higher ODI, NASS NS, NPRS back/leg pain scores. Surgeons should be cognizant that working adults with poorer preoperative function will tend to return to work later, but should reassure them that they will likely achieve similar clinical outcomes, satisfaction and expectation fulfilment when compared with patients who returned to work early.3.

Study design This was a prospective, nonrandomized study. Objectives To assess the accuracy of O-arm navigation-based pedicle screw insertion in lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis and to compare it with free-hand pedicle screw insertion technique in matched population. Summary of background data O-arm navigation is latest in navigation technology that can provide real-time intraoperative images in 3 dimensions while placing the pedicle screws to improve intraoperative pedicle screw accuracy. Degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis is a locally unstable pathology and placement of pedicle screws can cause increased rotation and translation of the vertebral body. However, is this motion detected by the tracker placed across the unstable segment, is a matter of debate. Inability to detect these positional changes can lead to pedicle perforation while inserting screws using navigation. No study has evaluated the role of O-arm navigation in this patient population. Materials and methods The study population was divided into 2 groups with 19 patients each, one comprising patients who underwent O-arm navigation-based pedicle screw insertion (group 1) and the other comprising patients who underwent free-hand pedicle screw insertion technique (group 2). A total of 152 pedicle screws were implanted in 38 patients for 1-level instrumented fusion for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis. Intraoperative 3-dimensional computed tomography scans using the O-arm were obtained for all patients after insertion of pedicle screws. The images were reviewed intraoperatively and postoperatively for the analysis of pedicle breaches. Assessments in either of the group included (i) accuracy of placement of screws; (ii) the rate and direction of perforation; and (iii) the number of segments the perforated screw was away from the navigation tracker. Results Mean age of patients in group 1 (O-arm navigation-assisted) was 60 years (SD 11.25; range, 37-73 y), whereas in group 2 (free-hand pedicle screw) was 62 years (SD 18.07; range, 36-90 y). Overall anatomic perforation rate was 12.5% (19/152). Individually, group 1 had 14.47% (11/76) of perforations in comparison with 10.53% (8/76) observed in group 2. The difference was not statistically significant. The lateral margin was the most common site of perforation in both group 1 (64%, 7/11) and group 2 (62.5%, 5/8). Functional perforation rate for the series was 3.3% (5/152), with group 1 having 2.63% (2/76) and group 2 having 3.95% (3/76). The rate of perforation (PR) was significantly higher statistically when the tracker was placed 3 or more [PR 37.5% (6/16)] spinal segments away from instrumented segment compared with when it was placed 1 (0%) or 2 [PR 13.89% (5/36)] spinal segments away. Overall, 11 screws (11/152, 7.24%) had grade 2 perforations and had to be revised. No neurological complications were observed in the series. Conclusions O-arm navigation does not provide any significant advantage over conventional free-hand pedicle screw insertion technique in patients with single-level degenerative spondylolisthesis. The accuracy is dependent on the distance of the tracker from the level of instrumentation. Lateral perforations are more common because of instability at the instrumented level leading to translation and rotation of the vertebral body while placing pedicle screws leading to preferential lateral trajectory. These lateral perforations could not be prevented by using navigation. However, no significant complications were noted in either technique.

We conducted a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database in a tertiary hospital over 10 years.Treatment for vertebral compression fractures remains an area of controversy with respect to timing and type of surgical management. We analyzed the clinical outcomes and radiographic measurements of 4 different modalities of treatment for these fractures.From 2001 to 2011, we analyzed a total of 363 patients after failure of 30 days of conservative management. These patients were then further managed either conservatively or with vertebroplasty, balloon kyphoplasty, or sky bone expander. Outcomes were assessed by using self-report measures: Visual Analog Score; functional measures: Oswestry Disability Index and Short-Form 36; and physiological measures: preoperative and postoperative radiographs.The outcome measures were assessed for 6 months for those treated conservatively and up till 2 years for those treated surgically. Radiographic measurements of the spine were correlated with the clinical outcomes.A total of 62 patients (12.1%) were treated conservatively, 148 (40.8%) with vertebroplasty, 97 (26.7%) with balloon kyphoplasty, and 56 (15.4%) with sky bone expander. We found significant improvements in Visual Analog Score, Oswestry Disability Index, and Short-Form-36 scores for all groups after 1-month follow-up (P0.05), with the surgical groups demonstrating a greater improvement in pain scores after the first postoperative day (P0.0001) when compared with the conservative group. The improvements in outcomes in those treated surgically were sustained for up to 2 years with no significant difference (P0.05) among the surgical groups. We also found significant improvement (P0.005) in anterior vertebral and kyphotic wedge angle after surgical intervention.We have shown that early surgical intervention allows for quicker pain relief compared with conservative treatment, with similar improvements in anterior vertebral height and kyphotic wedge angle between all 3 groups of surgical management.

Retrospective matched pair cohort study using prospectively collected registry data.The aim of this study was to determine whether patients with DM have poorer patient-reported outcomes and poorer fusion rates after undergoing a single-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) for cervical myelopathy.ACDF remains the most common procedure in the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM); however, there is a paucity of literature with regards to patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) scores, and fusion rates post-ACDF in diabetic patients with CSM.From 2002 to 2012, 29 diabetic patients were matched with 29 nondiabetic controls. Patient demographics, perioperative data, and validated spine-specific scores including the Numerical Pain Rating Scale on Neck Pain and Upper Limb Pain, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) neck pain and disability scores, AAOS Neurogenic Symptoms Score, Neck Disability Index, Japanese Orthopaedic Association Cervical Myelopathy Score, and Short Form 36 Physical/Mental Component Summaries were recorded. Fusion rates based on Bridwell grading were assessed at 2 years.After matching, there were no significant preoperative differences in patient demographics, clinical outcomes, PROMs or HRQoL measures between the DM and control group (P 0.05). There was no difference in either length of hospital stay (P = 0.92) or length of surgery (P = 0.92) between the two groups. At 2 years postoperatively, there were no significant differences between validated spine-specific scores, PROMs, HRQoL scores, satisfaction rates, or fulfilment of expectations between the two groups. Significant poorer Bridwell fusion grades were noted in the DM group at 2 years postoperatively (P 0.05). Subgroup analysis within the DM group demonstrated that glycated hemoglobin levels had no impact on functional outcomes, fulfilment of expectations, or patient satisfaction at 2 years (P 0.05).Despite poorer fusion outcomes following single-level ACDF for symptomatic CSM, there was no significant difference in validated spine outcome scores, PROMs, HRQoL measures, or satisfaction levels when compared to nondiabetic controls at short-term follow-up.3.

STUDY DESIGN This is a prospective study. OBJECTIVE A 2-year outcome of erectile dysfunction (ED) in patients younger than 50 years with fracture-unrelated lumbar spine disease requiring surgical decompression for ED is evaluated. Risk factors for ED were also evaluated. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA There is no literature documenting 2-year follow-up of ED status in young patients with atraumatic lumbar spine disease. METHODS All male patients younger than 50 years who underwent lumbar spine surgery between June 2006 and November 2007 without risk factors for ED were included. Patient demographics, neurological dysfunction, visual analogue scale (VAS) for back and leg pain, Oswestry Disability Index, North American Spine Society score for neurogenic symptoms, and the international index of erectile function-5 scores were recorded preoperatively and at 2 years. Patients who did not complete a 2-year follow-up were excluded. RESULTS.: A total of 75 patients were eligible for the study. Nineteen patients did not complete a 2-year follow-up giving a response rate of 75%. There were 56 patients in the study with a mean age of 38.4 (SD, 7.2; range, 20-49). The most common diagnosis was prolapsed intervertebral disc (77%) for which patients underwent discectomy. Preoperatively, 21 of 56 (37.5%) patients had ED. Despite significant improvement in mean VAS scores for back pain and leg pain, Oswestry Disability Index, and North American Spine Society score for neurogenic symptoms at 2 years (P < 0.01), the mean international index of erectile function-5 scores remained stable. Patients with ED at 2 years had greater back pain (mean VAS score 3.4) compared with patients without back pain (mean VAS score, 1.6; P ≤ 0.01). CONCLUSION Despite excellent outcome in most spine scores postoperatively after lumbar spine surgery, one has to be less optimistic about any improvement in the ED status of patients after surgery. ED is still a problem 2 years after surgery. Back pain reduction may have a significant role in dealing with ED at 2 years postoperatively. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 2.

Background. Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) results in sensorimotor limb deficits, bladder, and bowel dysfunction, but mechanisms underlying motor plasticity changes before and after surgery are unclear.Methods. We studied 24 patients who underwent decompression surgery and 15 healthy controls. Patients with mixed upper and lower limb dysfunction (Group A) and only lower limb dysfunction (Group B) were then analysed separately.Results. The sum amplitude of motor evoked potentials sMEP (p<0.01) and number of focal points where MEPs were elicited (N) (p<0.001) were significantly larger in CSM patients compared with controls. For Group A (16 patients), sMEP (p<0.01) andN(p<0.001) showed similar findings. However, for Group B (8 patients), onlyN(p=0.03) was significantly larger in patients than controls. Group A had significantly increased grip strength (p=0.02) and reduced sMEP (p=0.001) andN(p=0.003) after surgery. Changes in sMEP (cMEP) significantly correlated inversely with improved feeding (p=0.03) and stacking (p=0.04) times as was the change in number of focal points (NDiff) with improved writing times (p=0.03). Group B did not show significant reduction in sMEP orNafter surgery, or significant correlation of cMEP or NDiff with all hand function tests. No significant differences inHreflex parameters obtained from the flexor carpi radialis, or central motor conduction time changes, were noted after surgery.Discussion. Compensatory expansion of motor cortical representation occurs largely at cortical rather than spinal levels, with a tendency to normalization after surgery. These mirrored improvements in relevant tasks requiring utilization of intrinsic hand muscles.

Background: Pain from cervical spondylosis (CS) may result from degenerative spinal canal stenosis (cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM)) or lateral recesses compromise, leading to nerve root compression (cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR)). Pregabalin was shown to be effective in randomized, placebo-controlled trials for post-herpetic neuralgia and diabetic neuropathy. We evaluate its efficacy in CS with underlying CSR or CSM in a prospective study comprising Asian patients for the first time. Methods: Patients with CS and CSR or CSM (clinical, MRI, or electrophysiological evidence) presenting with neuropathic pain were recruited. We excluded patients with diabetes, underlying neurological disease or who were previously on antiepileptics. Pregabalin 75 mg bd was administered for 4 weeks, after which dosage was increased to 150 mg bd for another 4 weeks if the visual analog scale (VAS) was not reduced by 50%. In addition, we monitored the short form McGill pain questionnaire (SFMPQ) at baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks. Mood changes were monitored using the hospital anxiety and depression score (HADS) with an identical timeline. Results: We recruited 50 patients, of which 23 completed the trial. Of the 27 who withdrew, 12 (44%) were for somnolence. Thirteen patients’ (54%) dosages remained at 75 mg and 11 patients’ (46%) dosages were escalated to 150 mg bd. There were significantly reducing trends from baseline for VAS (ANOVA, F (1, 21) = 25.4, P < 0.0005), SFMPQ (sensory) (F (1, 22) = 11.2, P = 0.003), and SFMPQ (affective) (F (1, 21) = 10.9, P = 0.008). For VAS, there was significant reduction at 4 weeks (P = 0.001) and 8 weeks (P < 0.0005) compared to baseline. For SFMPQ (sensory), there was significant reduction at 4 weeks (P = 0.01) and 8 weeks (P = 0.006) in scores compared to baselines. For SFMPQ (affective), there was significant reduction at 4 weeks (P = 0.04) and 8 weeks (P = 0.008) in scores compared to baseline. No significant anxiety (F (1, 4) = 1.3, P = 0.32) or depression (F (1, 4) = 0.06, P = 0.82) changes were observed in the HADS. Conclusion: Pregabalin is efficacious in alleviation of pain symptoms related to CSR as a first-line single agent, evaluated by quantitative severity and other experiential scales. No significant mood changes reported in other studies were demonstrated. S omnolence was commonest adverse effect leading to high dropout rates, occurring early even at the lowest dose. The findings suggest the need for further studies of efficacy at lower dosages, particularly in the Asian population. J Clin Med Res. 2014;6(1):66-71 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4021/jocmr879w

Background context Comparative studies between open and minimally invasive surgical (MIS) approaches for the treatment of spinal stenosis have mainly investigated immediate postoperative parameters. Purpose We aimed to compare the postoperative improvements in functional and pain scores between open versus MIS lumbar laminotomy and to describe the complications of each method. Study design/setting We conducted as retrospective review of prospectively collected data. Patient sample We included 113 patients. Outcome measures Visual analog scale for back and leg pain, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), the North American Spine Society score on neurogenic symptoms (NS), and average Short Form Health Survey-36 (SF-36) score. Accidental durotomies and patients with reoperations are presented. Methods We obtained a list of patients who underwent either MIS or open unilateral one-level lumbar laminotomy for the treatment of neural foraminal or lateral recess stenosis with unilateral leg NS. Outcome measures are presented at 6 and 24 months postoperatively. Results From 2000 to 2008, 113 patients (30 open, 83 MIS) underwent a one-level lumbar laminotomy and had complete postoperative data available for analysis. Between the approaches, there were no differences in baseline demographic data or functional scores. At 6 and 24 months after surgery, there were no differences in improvement in back or leg pain, or improvement in ODI, NS, or SF-36 scores. The MIS group reported greater satisfaction with treatment at 6 months (p=.009) but not at 24 months. Within the MIS group, three patients (3.6%) experienced an inadvertent durotomy and two patients (2.4%) underwent fusion of the operated segment within 24 months. Conclusions Compared with an open approach, MIS lumbar laminotomy gave no clear advantages in longer term functional or pain scores. The MIS group also had patients with inadvertent durotomies and reoperation within 2 years. In any lumbar decompressive surgery, the purported advantages of an MIS approach should be carefully weighed against potential complications. For a relatively simple surgery such as laminotomy, the open approach remains a safe and straightforward option.

Study design This is a prospective study. Objective The prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) in patients younger than 50 years with fracture-unrelated lumbar spine disease requiring surgical decompression without other risk factors for ED is evaluated. Summary of background data There is little literature documenting ED in young patients with atraumatic lumbar spine disease. Methods All male patients younger than 50 years who underwent lumbar spine surgery during June 2006 to November 2007 without risk factors for ED were included. Patient demographics, neurological dysfunction, visual analogue scale (VAS) for back and leg pain, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), North American Spine Society score for neurogenic symptoms (NS), and the International Index of Erectile function (IIEF-5) scores were recorded preoperatively, at 1, 3, and 6 months. Results There were 61 patients with mean age 38.4 years (SD = 7.0; range, 20-49). Most of patients had (43 or 70.5%) prolapsed intervertebral disc with discectomy being the commonest operation. Mean VAS scores, ODI, and NS improved significantly postoperatively. However, the mean IIEF-5 scores did not. Preoperatively, there was no correlation between ED and VAS scores on back pain (P = 0.70), leg pain (P = 0.91), ODI (P = 0.93), or NS (P = 0.51). At 6 months, patients with NS > 70 had an increased risk of ED (P = 0.03). Eighty percent of patients with NS > 70 had ED compared with 30% of patients with NS ≤ 70. There was, however, no correlation between ED with ODI (P = 0.38) and VAS scores on back pain (P = 0.20) or leg pain (P = 0.08) at 6 months. Conclusion The incidence of ED in patients younger than 50 years with nonfracture-related lumbar spine disease undergoing surgery without risk factors was 34.3%. Despite improvement in VAS, ODI, and NS scores postoperatively, ED did not improve. Patients with NS > 70 postoperatively were more likely to have ED reflecting possible permanent nerve damage from lumbar spine pathology.

Study design We present the case study of a 31-year-old lady who had a spontaneous cervical spinal epidural hematoma in the postpartum period and who presented with sudden onset of neck pain and lower limb weakness for which an emergency decompressive laminectomy was performed with neurological recovery. Objective To report on the spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma in the postpartum period, which is a rare complication during pregnancy and requires early recognition and expedient intervention to prevent permanent neurological sequelae. Summary of background data This complication has been described only once previously in the postpartum period. The recovery of the patient described here highlights the importance of early recognition and surgical intervention. Methods A case report of a spontaneous cervical spinal epidural haematoma in the postpartum period is presented and the pertinent literature is then reviewed. Results The patient had neurological recovery at 1-year follow-up, although she required clean intermittent self-catheterization once daily for bladder dysfunction. Conclusion Early recognition and intervention for our patient allowed for neurological recovery with a spontaneous cervical spinal epidural hematoma in the postpartum period.

Purpose.To evaluate the outcomes, fusion rates, complications, and adjacent segment degeneration associated with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF).Methods.32 men and 80 women aged 15 to 85 (mean, 57) years underwent 141 fusions (84 one-level, 27 2-level, and one 3-level) and were followed up for 24 to 76 (mean, 33) months. 92% of the patients had degenerative lumbar disease, 15 of whom had had previous lumbar surgery. Radiographic and clinical outcomes were assessed at 2 years. The short-form 36 (SF-36) health survey, visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, and the modified North American Spine Society (NASS) Low Back Pain Outcome Instrument were used.Results.Of the 141 levels fused, 110 (78%) were fused with remodelling and trabeculae (grade I), and 31 (22%) had intact grafts but were not fully incorporated (grade II). No patient had pseudoarthroses (grade III or IV). For one-level fusions, poorer radiological fusion grades correlated with higher VAS scores for pain (pConclusion.TLIF is a safe and effective treatment for degenerative lumbar diseases.

STUDY DESIGN prospective study. OBJECTIVE present results of Prestige LP artificial cervical disc replacement (ADR). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA motion preservation with ADR can potentially reduce adjacent segment degeneration. METHODS.: Forty patients with 59 Prestige LP ADR were analyzed. Cervical range of motion, Neck Disability Index, Visual Analogue, Short Form-36, Modified American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, and Japanese Orthopedic Association scores and radiographs were evaluated. Clinical results were compared with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. RESULTS there were 21 females and 19 males. Mean age was 43.9 years. Mean follow-up was 2.9 years. Of the patients, 62.5% had single level replacement-mainly C56 level (56%); 52.5% had myelopathy and 47.5% radiculopathy; 50% of neural compression was due to herniated disc, 45% due to spondylosis, and 5% due to both. There was significant improvement in the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and Visual Analogue scores (P < 0.05) at 6 months and 2 years. There was significant improvement in the Neck Disability Index from a mean of 42.2 preoperation to 16.4 at 6 months and 15.2 at 2 years (P < 0.05). The mean Japanese Orthopedic Association score improved significantly from 14.7 preoperation to 15.7 at 6 months and 15.6 at 2 years (P < 0.05). There was significant improvement in all aspects of the Short Form-36 scores except general health (P < 0.05) at 6 months and 2 years. There was no significant difference in the clinical outcomes between ADR and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. Segmental alignment (mean 8°, 14°, and 13° lordotic at preoperation, 6 months, and 2 years postoperation, respectively) and global alignment (mean 15.7°, 16.2°, and 17.3° lordotic at preoperation, 6 months, and 2 years postoperation, respectively) were maintained. Dynamic radiographs showed significant segmental motion with a 6 month's mean motion of 11.1° and a 2-year mean motion of 13.9° (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION prestige LP ADR showed significant improvement in clinical outcomes at 2 years. It restores segmental lordosis and preserves segmental motion up to 2 years postoperation.

To describe our centre’s results, experience and technical points learnt with the SKy Bone Expander System for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). Forty consecutive patients with painful single level T12 or L1 osteoporotic VCF who had failed conservative management for more than 3 months had 40 single level SKy Bone Expander kyphoplasties performed. Using local anaesthesia with patients in a prone, hyper-lordotic position, a unilateral, percutaneous, intra-pedicular approach was employed. Once correctly positioned, the SKy Bone Expander was expanded, creating a void. It was subsequently contracted, removed and bone cement injected. Pre-kyphoplasty and 12-month post-kyphoplasty radiological and functional outcomes were recorded. Statistical analysis was by Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test. Median percentage increase in anterior, middle and posterior vertebral body heights at 12-month post-operative was 51.25% [inter-quartile range (IQR) 17.21–93.22], 52.29% (IQR 26.50–126.17) and 9.84% (IQR 4.94–19.26) respectively, while median percentage decrease in kyphotic angle was 30.77% (IQR 17.06–46.61). There was no significant vertebral body correction loss at 12-month post-operative. Visual analogue score, North American Spine Society and Short Form-36 scores for physical functioning and bodily pain scores improved by medians of 5.0 (IQR 3.0–8.0), 1.45 (IQR 0.68–2.90), 20.5 (IQR 0.0–40.8) and 10.0 (IQR 0.0–20.0) respectively. All P-values were